Not sure you could call mine long trips, but had 10 days in Scotland in 2020 & then 10 days in Ireland last year and will hopefully be going to the Dolomites this year. I have found it is more than enough bike. Most have us have done the GS with massive ali panniers, roll bag, tank bag and top box full to the brim and use next to nothing, I find my Srambler makes me take less and my holidays are all the better for it, not having to keep packing & repacking.
If you look on Adv rider there is loads of stuff on pannier set ups. Some do use soft bags either side with a giat loop or similar exhaust protecter strapped to each exhaust, Metal Mule do metal frames and Unit garage do metal frames and panniers, there is also a company in Chile that the Yanks seem to buy. I did enquire on the Metal Mules, but then decided I was happy with my set up.
Are you interested in a Srambler? I am thinking about selling mine as I want to try find a Dunkel Blue G/S
) it handles really nicely with good quality compliant suspension. Engine is a really nice low reving torquey motor and supposed to have a little more low down torque compared to the previous model.
